But hosting one of these shindigs can be hard on your wallet. Unless you employ the BYO policy for both food and beverage, the onus is on you to put out a respectable spread for your guests. And at some stores, just two bottles of wine and a few snacks could top $50 before you even think of adding a sweet or two. That’s not the case at Trader Joe’s. The tropical-inspired alternative grocery store offers a wide variety of party-ready foods that not only save you time (pre-sliced salami, thank you!) but also protect your precious dollars. Here, we put together three excellent menus, each about $30, that offer everything you need for a small gathering, from Trader Joe’s most popular dips and cheeses to a little something sweet—and of course, the wine.

Classic Wine Party Menu

If you’re not sure where to start, this classic snack spread should be your go-to. Everything here is party neutral: It’s exactly what you expect at a nice get-together, and everyone can find a little something to nosh on. If you happen to have bottles of wine already in the cooler, you can skip those and get a second dip, like Avocado & Tzatziki Dip ($3.49), and a whole baguette ($1.99), instead of the demi. If your crew prefers their drinks to nibbles, skip the almonds and grab a case of Blood Orange and Orange Juice Seltzer Water ($2.99). Make a little cocktail moment with the seltzer water, a splash of OJ, and a bit of gin.

Smoked Salmon Dip – $3.99Persian Cucumbers – $2.29Spanish Tapas Sampler – $4.49Italian Dry Salame – $4.49Demi Baguette – $1.29Salted & Dry-Roasted Almonds – $3.49Triple Ginger Cookie Thins – $3.992 bottles of Charles Shaw wine - $5.98

Total – $30.01

Movie Night Party Menu

This menu’s a little more fun, and all the snack tray staples are here: a dip, a cheese, something crispy, and a sweet treat. Set this tray out on a coffee table or footrest so folks can nibble during the flick. Brownie crisps are meant to capture all the crunchy, chewy elements of the edge pieces in a brownie tray. But if they’re not your style, swap in Chocolate & Vanilla Macaroons. That’ll put you over budget by a dollar and some change, but those sweet little bites are worth the extra pennies. Save them for the end of the night when everyone can truly enjoy them.

Hummus Quartet – $4.99Mini Goat Milk Brie – $2.99Bell Peppers (one red and one yellow) – $2.18Fig & Olive Crisps – $3.99Thai Lime Almonds – $5.49Brownie Crisps or Petite Brownies – $2.99Berry Lemonade – $2.99Organic Charles Shaw Wine – $3.99

Total – $29.61

Kid-Friendly Party Menu

If kids are coming, assemble a snack assortment that’s great for all ages. With this list, you can put together a tray kids can pick from while they play, and parents will find things worth grazing on, too. For the adults, you can booze up the Orangina (a sparkling citrus beverage), by adding a bit of bubbly or vodka.

Salsa Autentica – $1.99Restaurant Style Tortilla Chips with Lime – $1.99Chunky Guacamole – $3.99Organic Rainbow Baby Carrots – $2.29Cheddar Cheese (sharp or mild) – $4.99Strawberries – $4.99Original Lemonade – $2.99Orangina – $2.49Crispy Chocolate Chip Cookies – $3.99

Total - $29.7